In the Roman 6 thread that is related to this one, I told you that I was having a conversation with a Reformed Christian who believes that as Christians we are still “Totally Depraved”.
I have learned in the last year that I need to pick and choose my fights carefully. In this case, I would probably not even be taking the time to study this issue the way I am if it wasn’t for the fact that the person I am discussing this with is an elder whom I have a lot of respect for in the Church I attend. Even at that, I realize that I must not spend too much more time on this issue; to do so would not only be a waste of time, but also it would be beating a dead horse.
It is his position that at regeneration we are no longer “dead in trespasses and sins”; however, this does not include “Total Depravity”. Which he believes is something else entirely. To say that regeneration includes “total depravity” is to down play in some way the effects of sin in us after regeneration. Regeneration gives us the power to fight sin and turn to Christ through faith, but it has nothing to do with “Total Depravity”.
Previously I had given him a few articles from the Highway written by RC Sproul and AW Pink; to show my position clearer.
He came back to me and said that Pink clearly supports his position and also said that the LBCF clearly supports his position also, as shown below.
http://www.the-highway.com/reg4_Pink.html
Quote
The salient elements which comprise the nature of regeneration may, perhaps, be summed up in these three words: impartation, renovation, and subjugation. God communicates something to the one who is born again, namely, a principle of faith and obedience, a holy nature, eternal life. This, though real, palpable, and potent, is nothing material or tangible, nothing added to our essence, substance, or person. Again, God renews every faculty of the soul and spirit of the one born again, not perfectly and finally, for we are “renewed day by day” (II Cor. 4: 16), but so as to enable those faculties to be exercised upon spiritual objects. Again, God subdues the power of the sin indwelling the one born again. He does not eradicate it, but He dethrones it, so that it no longer has dominion over the heart. Instead of sin ruling the Christian, and that by his own willing subjection, it is resisted and hated.
Regeneration is not the improvement or purification of the “flesh,” which is that principle of evil still with the believer. The appetites and tendencies of the “flesh” are precisely the same after the new birth as they were before; only they no longer reign over him. For a time it may seem that the “flesh” is dead, yet in reality it is not so. Often its very stillness (as an army, in ambush) is only awaiting its opportunity or a gathering up of its strength for a further attack. It is not long ere the renewed soul discovers that the “flesh” is yet very much alive, desiring to have its way. But grace will not suffer it to have its sway. On the one hand the Christian has to say, “For to will is present with me, but how to perform that which is good I find not” (Rom. 7:18). On the other hand, he is able to declare, “Christ liveth in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Gal. 2:20).
He went to say that what he believes is the classic Reformed position and he found out recently in his studies that there is a movement a float that seeks to change the true Reformed position towards the position that I said I believe.
When I read that I remembered that Pilgrim said that what he described is the classic Reformed position.
Although I definitely agree with Pilgrim, I am looking for something tangible to cling to in this matter. What I am going to do with that information, is pray for wisdom for the best way to use it; regardless of whether or not I even talk to him about it again.
Thank you
Tom

Last edited by Tom; Fri Jun 29, 2012 12:51 AM.